Our Team
We are a full service veterinary care hospital
Dr. Jerob Leaper, BVSc
Owner/Hospital Director
In 2002, I earned my B.S. in Biology from U.C. Irvine. While in school, I worked as a kennel attendant at a veterinary clinic, where I met my wife, Teresa. After graduation, I spent nearly two years as a laboratory technician at Quest Diagnostics. In the summer of 2003, Teresa and I got married, and during our honeymoon, we fell in love with New Zealand. Inspired by our experience, I made the life-changing decision to move there and pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I was accepted into the AVMA-accredited program at Massey University in Palmerston North and graduated in December 2008 before returning to California to begin my career.
I started as a full-time associate veterinarian at Groveway Veterinary Hospital in Castro Valley, CA. In April 2012, a fellow veterinarian and I purchased the hospital, and for the next three years, I served as Clinical Director, managing a team of more than 20 staff members and overseeing clinical and medical policies.
In May 2015, Teresa and I made the difficult decision to leave California and relocate to Kihei, believing Maui would be an ideal place to raise our two young kids. Today, I live in Kihei with Teresa, our children, Cailin and Amelia, and our four dogs and three cats. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, running, watching Dodgers and Lakers games, and visiting Disneyland. Above all, I am deeply passionate about helping animals, ensuring they receive the care and compassion they deserve!
Teresa Leaper
Owner/Director of Operations
Aloha, I’m Teresa! I am a highly experienced veterinary technician with a career spanning decades in internal medicine, emergency, and critical care. I have held key roles at Massey University’s teaching hospital in New Zealand and in specialty private practice, where I am known for my expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach to complex animal health cases. In 2001, I met Dr. Jerob Leaper while we were both working as kennel attendants. Our shared passion for animals quickly brought us together, leading to a lifelong partnership in both work and life.
We have two wonderful children, Cailin and Amelia, and a lively home filled with three cats and four large dogs. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and making cherished memories at Disneyland with family and friends.
Dr. Jenny Li Hellsen
Associate Veterinarian
Aloha, I have been with KVC since 2000. I was fortunate enough to have spent many years working beside our founder Dr. Roger Kehler. Although my education in Massachusetts provided me with her training and certification in traditional western medicine, I have dedicated my career to furthering my education and specialize in holistic treatment alternatives such as acupuncture, herbal medicine therapies and cold laser treatment. I strive to find the balance between traditional medicine and complementary holistic alternatives to create the best treatment plan for your pets health.
I live here on Maui with my husband Andy and three amazing children. I have two dogs (Sputnik and Aboo) four cats (Tabitha, Baby D, Tootsie and Emmet) and a beloved tortoise (Nui). Mahalo for trusting our team with your pets wellbeing.
Dr. Janet Ladyga
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Janet Ladyga grew up on a small farm in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she was active in 4-H, theater/speech and animal science. She attended Colorado State University for her undergraduate and her veterinary medicine doctorate degrees and worked as an assistant/technician at a veterinary clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. She returned to Steamboat Springs to practice large and small animal medicine, and met her husband Lee while working there. They relocated to Bend, Oregon and enjoyed the high desert lifestyle for fifteen years, while she practiced small animal/companion veterinary medicine and surgery. Dr. Ladyga and Lee became Maui residents in 2018 and are so grateful to consider this island home. Dr. Ladyga enjoys horseback riding, snorkeling and playing with her two miniature Dachshunds when she is not at work. She is so happy to be a part of the exceptional team at Kihei Veterinary Clinic where patients and their owners are part of our ohana!
Jacy Perkins, VTIT
Practice Manager
Aloha, I’m Jacy! I am originally from Colorado but grew up in Nevada and Southern California. I moved to Maui in Spring of 2019 and was fortunate to discover Kihei Vet Clinic where I’ve been a part of the team ever since. I come from a long line of animal caretakers and veterinarians (primarily equine and bovine) so you can say that I inherited my love for animals! I ‘officially’ started working in Veterinary Medicine when I was 19 years old and worked to earn my A.A.S degree in Veterinary Technology. I have experience in emergency medicine, exotic animals, farm animals, and I love all things internal medicine. In 2024, I hung up my stethoscope and accepted the position of Practice Manager. My passions as a manager are providing our clients/patients with exceptional care and creating a sustainable work environment for my employees. When I am not in the clinic, I am usually being pestered by my tripod kitty (Lefty) and enjoying the wonderful island lifestyle!
Johnna Furnish
Lead Technician
Aloha, my name is Johnna. I was born and raised in Orange County, California. I first started my journey into veterinary medicine in 2000. I have worked as a veterinary technician in California, Nevada, and Colorado before moving to Maui in 2014 with my husband and two daughters. I have always been interested in medicine. I have wanted to follow in my parents medical footsteps ever since I can remember. I started my career in medicine working as an EMT while studying for my nursing degree. I eventually found my passion in animal caretaking courses through vocational classes, interning in vet clinics, and learning on the job at an animal emergency clinic. I received my Veterinary Technician License in 2009. I have been a dedicated veterinary technician for over 24 years. I have a vast amount of experience working in dog and cat general practice, emergency practice, and specialty practices with exotic animals, birds, and wildlife. I have been committed to providing exceptional care to both pets and their owners ever since. I’m excited to be a part of this KVC team where we believe in fostering a compassionate environment where both animals and their families feel supported. My goal is to not only help treat illnesses but also to promote overall health and happiness for every animal I encounter. When I’m not at the clinic, you can find me SUP surfing at the cove, going to the beach with my family, relaxing at home, traveling, and playing trivia with friends.
Safron McElwain, CVT
Veterinary Technician
Aloha! My name is Safron. I moved to Maui 7 years ago to escape the cold winters of the Rocky Mountains, where I grew up. After relocating to Santa Barbara, CA in 2005, I got my first job as a Veterinary Assistant and realized I had found my calling. I worked for 4 years as an assistant and desperately wanted to learn more. After relocating back to Colorado, I attended Colorado Mountain College and earned my A.A.S degree in Veterinary Technology. I have been pursuing my passion for helping animals ever since. I have been with Kihei Veterinary Clinic since 2016. I have tremendous love and dedication to the animals of our island and the KVC family. I feel so fortunate to be working, living, exploring, hiking, paddle boarding, camping, kayaking and snorkeling on these beautiful islands.
Andre’a Torres
Veterinary Assistant
Aloha, I was born and raised on Oahu but started my career as a veterinary assistant 20 years ago in Las Vegas. I have been with KVC for 6 years now working as a veterinary technician assistant to help the pets of Maui. I have years of experience owning birds and fish and love to bring that skill set and knowledge to pet parents. My husband and I have 3 dogs (Sasha, Josie and Papi) 2 cockatoos (Harley and Fiona) and many fish. In her spare time Andre’a is starting an aquaculture business called Maui’s Freshwater Gems, helps operate Torres Security, and loves fishing with her husband.
Taby Chavez
Marketing Supervisor / Veterinary Assistant
Hello! My name is Tabatha (aka Taby). My cat Lucifer, and I made it to Maui in May of 2023 from a small town in Southeastern Idaho. My career in Veterinary Medicine started in 2017, right before I attended College of Southern Idaho. Working in the veterinary field has been rewarding as I get to be an advocate for animals and educate the public. I am so grateful to be working with this amazing team at KVC. If I am not at the clinic, you can catch me cruising around on my moped, attending concerts/festivals, thrifting, snorkeling, or lounging at the beach!
Kelley Donaghy
Veterinary Assistant
Aloha, my name is Kelley and I was born and raised on Maui. I have always had a care for animals ever since I was young. When growing up we had bunnies, dogs and cats. I even have experiences with horses as I grew up taking horseback riding lessons. Ever since I could remember we have always taken our cats and dogs to KVC and back then it was the staff that really inspired me to follow my dreams to work in the veterinary field. I left the island to go to college in Oregon and it was there that I got my first job working in a veterinary clinic. I worked for about 5 years as a veterinary assistant and learned a lot. After getting my degree in Veterinary Technology, I decided to move back home. I was lucky that after settling down from the move back, KVC had a job opening and now here I am! When I’m not working I am either spending time with family or friends, playing video games, drawing, doing puzzles, or watching anime with my senior cat, Makena, who loves to cuddle.
Chloe Sijalbo
Veterinary Assistant
Hello! I’m Chloe and I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Maui. I moved to Oregon to graduate with my Bachelors degree in Biology and came back home to Maui to gain hands-on experience in veterinary medicine. I originally shadowed at KVC back in 2017 which gave me a peek into the world of veterinary medicine, and I absolutely loved it! Once I saw a job opening here I knew I had to apply. Ever since I was a little kid I always had passion and empathy for our furry friends. My first pet I ever had was my beloved dalmatian named Spotty. I grew up surrounded by dogs my entire life and have grown to love cats as my past roommate had two of them. I enjoy crocheting and gaming in my spare time, as well as being active.
Kim Atkins, RVT/CVT
Direct Release Coordinator / Receptionist
Aloha, I’m Kim! I was born and raised in Marlboro, Massachusetts. I became a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in 1990 and have worked in emergency and specialty medicine and had the opportunity to work with zoo animals and primates! I moved to Maui in 2010 and have no plans to leave. I have since retired as a LVT, but continue to help clients and their pets in a new capacity as KVC’s Direct Release Coordinator where I help people travel to and from Maui. I am very grateful to be helping visitors and new residents settle into their new lives and help their pet’s live their best lives.
Brian Chladek
Receptionist / Veterinary Assistant
My name is Brian and I was born and raised in Illinois. I moved to Hawaii in 2016 and I have always had a bond with animals! We have had no less than 4 dogs in my family at a time from the age of 6. I have always admired the veterinary field. I grew up watching my sister work as a veterinary technician and saw how much she loved the veterinary world. I came across a job opening at KVC and have been with the team ever since! When I am not assisting the community of pet lovers, I enjoy gaming and reading. I’m also on the never ending journey of working to improve my health both in body and mind, I also coaching gymnastics and tumbling to those interested in learning.
Roselani Casaba
Receptionist
Aloha, my name is Rose, and I was born and raised in Oahu. We moved here to Maui in 2017 and never looked back. When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian because I looove animals so much. Well life happened and it didn’t turn out that way. I got really excited when I saw an open position for a veterinary receptionist at Kihei Vet Clinic back in 2024. Now, I am here and love being part of their team. I love interacting with animals everyday and all day. When I’m not at work I love to spend quality time with my kids and my dog Buddy who is spoiled beyond measure.
